Testing makeup-y things, so you don't have to

I was very excited to try out Manicare's Glam Express Nail Wraps since I've seen many brands coming out with lots of different colours and prints. I haven't tried anything like this before so I was eager to see how these performed.

Manicare's Glam Express Nail Wraps are nail stickers which can be repositioned (as opposed to the kind that are made out of real nail polish and adhere to the nails like real polish). They do feel like stickers on the nails, and the design with the gems and flowers are raised so you can feel the bumps when you run your fingers over them. The decals come on a clear strip of plastic as a way to align the best shape for each nail prior to applying them.

Each pack comes with 40 pieces (2 designs x 20 pieces) in a variety of lengths and widths. It's better to pick one that is too small rather than too big, as I picked some that looked like they fit but were too wide and they didn't sit flat on the nail (which I tried to remedy afterwards with a cuticle clipper). I did use the smallest one for my pinky nails and those were still too wide -- I think those with very narrow nails may have to do some extra trimming.

Instructions

Steps for application 2

The instructions on the back of the package were easy to follow and since my nails are on the shorter side, I snipped off the excess with scissors before filing down the rest close to the tip of my nail. It didn't specify whether or not a base coat of nail polish was necessary so I applied them directly on top of my bare nails. This particular design, Lace Me Up, has some transparency in the design, because of this I think it could work over a coloured polish if you don't want it to be just black & skin coloured. The whole entire process took me about 40 minutes to apply them to all ten fingers; it would probably 30 minutes or less for somebody who's not photographing along the way ;)

Manicare Glam Express in Lace Me Up indirect sunlight

Manicare Glam Express in Lace Me Up under lamp 2

Before and After

I was very impressed by how long these lasted. I did lose some of the gems near the tips of my nails along the way but since it's a pattern, it's not as noticeable as when a solid nail polish chips. I think these would be perfect for traveling (especially if traveling for a special occasion) since they're easy to apply on the go, come in a lot of fun designs, don't take up a lot of space and are disposable. Removal was easy, after a week I noticed the edges that didn't lay flat were starting to lose their stickiness so I peeled them off. There was a tiny bit of glue residue on my nails but a quick swipe of nail polish remover took care of that. The price may be a deterrent for some because they are a single-use item, but I think the unique patterns and the convenience totally make them worth it (these are also priced on the lower end of the spectrum, cheaper than similar products made by Revlon, Rock Beauty and Sally Hansen). They're also great for people like me who spend too much time reading nail polish blogs and are envious of the talented girls who can draw elaborate designs on their nails :)

And because I could - Haiku wrap up:

Manicare Wraps - fun!

Easy, unique prints and shades.

Good for on the go.

Manicare's Glam Express Nail Wraps are available for purchase from Priceline for $9.99

I couldn't find anything on Manicare's website about their animal testing policy, but according to this fabulous post by The Plastic Diaries, Manicare do not test on animals.

*This product was provided for consideration, but everything I've written is my own opinion.

Bagful of Notions

Nicole is a Melbourne (Australia) based beauty blogger who has a lifetime of experience admiring all things bright and beautiful in the world of fashion, makeup, handbags and more. She moved to Australia with her husband Scott in October of 2010 and has brought with her a passion for polka-dots, a mania for manicures, and a hankering for handbags. Bagful of Notions is dedicated to Nicole's adventures in these colourful worlds as she shares with you top beauty tips and delicious discoveries she's sure you'll enjoy!

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About

Nicole

A Melbourne-based beauty blogger who considers herself as a local guinea pig, litmus tester, makeup cheater and your friend who will tell you when something is stuck between your teeth. Here's a toothpick.

Instamatic

Cotton candy pink skies are on the menu this evening in #melbourne. #sunset Feeling pretty amazing after my facial.

Another great start to a very brief week. #melbourne #sunrise #hotairballoons #nofilter

Our view of the #mcg this evening. I think it's safe to say #Australia won the cricket this year. #fireworks #melbourne Time for bed!

Timing in life is everything. Have an amazing #Sunday. #sunrise #melbourne #hotairballoon #timelapse #hyperlapse

I really hate selfies, but I worked some serious hair magic with my #ghd wand. And I've only burned myself twice @_tufftitts_! #goodhairday Textursing spray, #ftw!

Some days all you really need is @essiepolish's #balletslippers. Tho, shame on them for changing the brush, not my fav. #nailsonthecheap #nailedit #bblogger #bbloggerau

Next to @haasbroek, #davidolenick is my other favorite illustrator. They both have the ability to make me laugh out loud. #punny #illustrations #tacoeclipseoftheheart

The item to add to your basket today, @urbandecaycosmetics' #electricpigmentspalette. Expect the unexpected. Check out the other items over @bagfulofnotions I've shortlisted for your consideration. #udaustralia #urbandecay @meccamaxima